How to Boil a Turkey Breast for Juicy, Tender Meat Every Time

Are you tired of serving dry turkey breasts? Fortunately, it can be avoided and we are here to show you how.

Turkey breast meat is thick yet super lean (minimal fat). Due to the thickness, turkey breasts typically need about two hours to cook all the way through. If you cooked fatty meat for that long, the fat would melt during the cooking process, lubricate the muscle fibers, and keep the meat juicy. Since the typical turkey breast contains little fat, it can dry out during long cooks.

You can avoid serving dry turkey breasts by wet or dry brining before cooking, but that won’t be feasible if you don’t have the time or fridge space to brine a turkey breast. If brining is not an option, consider cooking your turkey breasts in a slow cooker.

NOTE: We highly recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure doneness as every slow cooker cooks differently. Internal temperature needs to be 165°F in both the thickest part of the breast (without touching the bone) and in the thighs to ensure doneness and food safety.

Boiling turkey breast is one of the quickest, easiest methods for preparing this healthy lean protein. When done right it results in meat that is moist, flavorful and ready to use in a variety of recipes.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll share pro tips and step-by-step instructions for boiling turkey breast so it turns out perfect every time.

Why Choose Boiling?

There are several advantages to boiling over other cooking methods

It’s fast and hands-off. Once the turkey breast is simmering, very little active cooking time is required.
The moist heat environment gently cooks the meat, keeping it incredibly tender and helping it retain juices.
Flavor can be directly infused into the turkey by adding aromatics to the cooking liquid.
The cooked turkey breast is extremely versatile and can be used in salads, sandwiches, soups and casseroles.
The nutrient-rich cooking liquid becomes a tasty broth perfect for making gravy, soup bases and more.

So when you want tender, delicious turkey breast without much effort, boiling is the way to go.

Picking the Right Cut

Selecting the proper turkey breast is key for even cooking and great results:

Fresh is ideal, but frozen works if thawed completely in the refrigerator first.
Boneless cuts cook faster. Bone-in may have more flavor but requires longer simmering.
Skinless is lower fat, but skin-on is more flavorful. Remove skin after cooking if desired.
1-2 pound breasts are best for boiling. Larger cuts may need extra time.

Once you’ve got your turkey breast, it’s time to get it boiling-ready.

Prepping the Turkey Breast

Proper prep ensures the turkey cooks evenly and soaks up the maximum flavor:

Rinse under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
Trim off any excess fat or sinew with a sharp knife.
Rub the breast all over with salt, pepper and any other dry seasonings.
Stuff the cavity with fresh herbs, garlic, onions and citrus slices for extra flavor infusion.

Your turkey breast is now prepped and ready for the pot!

Step-by-Step Boiling Instructions

Follow these simple steps for perfect boiled turkey breast every time:

1. Add Water to a Large Pot

How much water you need depends on the size of the breast. Make sure it’s fully submerged with extra room to spare. For a 2 pound breast, use at least 6 cups of water.

2. Bring Water to a Boil

Heat the water over high heat until it reaches a rapid boil. This helps the breast cook fast and evenly throughout.

3. Add Turkey and Aromatics

Gently lower the turkey breast into the boiling water. Add any aromatics like peppercorns, herbs, garlic, etc.

4. Reduce Heat and Simmer

Once it returns to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer.

5. Cook Until Done

Simmer the turkey breast for about 20 minutes per pound, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

6. Remove and Allow to Rest

Use tongs to transfer the turkey to a plate. Tent loosely with foil and let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

That’s all it takes for delicious boiled turkey breast ready to use in your favorite recipes!

Ensuring Proper Doneness

With poultry, proper doneness is critical from a food safety standpoint. Use these tips:

Check the internal temperature in the thickest part with an instant read thermometer. It should reach 165°F when done.
If undercooked, return it to the simmering water for 5-10 more minutes until 165°F.
If overcooked, the breast will be dry and stringy. Watch closely to avoid overcooking.
Let it rest at least 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Using a thermometer is the best way to guarantee your boiled turkey is cooked through and safe to eat.

Keeping the Turkey Moist

It’s easy for boiled turkey breast to turn out dry if overcooked. Follow these moisture-locking tricks:

Don’t cook longer than needed. Start checking for doneness at 15 minutes.
Maintain a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil, which can cause meat to seize up.
Allow the breast to rest before slicing for juicier meat.
When reheating leftovers, add a bit of liquid like broth or water to keep it from drying out.

Stick to recommended cook times and monitor closely for doneness to avoid overdoing it.

Infusing More Flavor

One major benefit of boiling is it allows you to directly infuse flavor into the bland turkey breast. Try these easy flavor-building ideas:

Add aromatics like onion, carrots, garlic, peppercorns, citrus slices and fresh herbs to the pot.
Use chicken or turkey broth instead of plain water for a flavor boost.
Generously season the meat itself with olive oil, salt, pepper and dried herbs before cooking.
Stuff fresh parsley, thyme, sage or other herbs into the turkey cavity.
Spice it up with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin or other dried spices.

Get creative with the seasoning and aromatics to give your boiled turkey lots of extra flavor.

Delicious Ways to Use Cooked Turkey Breast

Once boiled, the possibilities for how to enjoy your turkey breast are endless. Here are just a few ideas:

Slice for sandwiches, subs or wraps.
Dice or shred for hearty main dish salads.
Chop and add to your favorite soup recipes.
Mix with vegetables and sauce for healthy casseroles or one-dish bakes.
Shred for use in chili, pasta dishes, tacos and more.
Slice and stir fry with veggies and sauce for quick meals.

The cooked turkey breast also stores well for meal prepping lunches and dinners all week long.

Common Boiling Mistakes to Avoid

Follow these tips to sidestep some common turkey boiling pitfalls:

Underseasoning – the hot water dilutes flavors, so season generously.
Overcrowding the pot – leave ample room for even cooking.
Boiling too vigorously – gentle simmer is best to prevent seizing up.
Neglecting to rest – this releases juices for a moister bite.
Overcooking – use a meat thermometer and watch pot closely.
Reheating incorrectly – add liquid to prevent dried out leftovers.

With proper technique, you’ll be able to boil turkey breast like a pro!

Boiling is one of the simplest, most foolproof methods for cooking juicy, delicious turkey breast. With an aromatic cooking liquid, proper seasoning and close monitoring, you can enjoy incredibly moist, flavorful turkey breast ready to use in a variety of recipes.

Follow this guide for choosing the right cut, prepping, simmering and checking doneness. In no time, you’ll be able to perfectly boil turkey breast for amazing homemade meals all week long. Get ready to enjoy all the possibilities with tender, versatile boiled turkey!

how to boil turkey breast

Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker

Cooking turkey breasts in an oven or grill may be popular, but it can be tedious and unforgiving. You have to keep checking the turkey’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer. If you accidentally cook it for a few extra minutes, the turkey could burn or get dry.

On the other hand, cooking a turkey breast in a slow cooker is very forgiving. Even if the turkey spends an extra hour in the crockpot, the low cooking temperature will help ensure that it doesn’t burn or get dry. Here are more benefits of opting for slow cooker turkey breast:

Flavorful, tender, and juicy turkey breasts every time
Minimal prep time – no need to brine
Hassle-free cooking process – no need to check on it for hours
Easy to clean up afterward

Lastly, using a slow cooker gives you highly concentrated turkey broth, which you can use to create an excellent gravy.

Before delving into how to cook bone-in turkey breasts in a crockpot, let’s settle the argument of crockpots vs. slow cookers.

Instant Pot® or Electric Pressure Cooker

Unlike a slow cooker, instant pots and electric pressure cookers, cook food quickly. Since these fast cookers lock in steam and cook food quickly, you can use them to make flavorful and moist turkey breasts. An Instant Pot® also has a slow cooker setting for cooking turkey breasts with low heat.

Learn more about how to cook turkey breast in an Instant Pot® or electric pressure cooker here.

Simple Oven Roasted Turkey Breast

FAQ

How long does turkey breast take to boil?

Cover, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer with the cover on, for 15 to 20 minutes, or until internal temperature of meat is 165 F.Oct 1, 2021

How long does it take to boil turkey?

Allow the turkey to cook in the pot. Cook times range from 45-55 minutes for a 12-13 pound bird to one hour-one hour and 15 minutes. for a 15-18 pound turkey.Nov 12, 2015

How to boil turkey breast for dogs?

This will make it easier for your dog to eat and digest. Place the turkey in a large pot and add enough water to cover the meat. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the turkey is thoroughly cooked, which should take about 15-20 minutes.

How long does it take to boil turkey innards?

So while the turkey is roasting the next day, place the neck and giblets into a medium saucepan, cover it with water by about 2 inches, and bring it to a boil. After it boils, reduce the heat to a strong simmer and cook them for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the meat is totally cooked through.

How long do you cook a turkey breast in a stockpot?

Fill a large stockpot with enough water to cover the turkey by at least 2 inches. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Add the turkey to the pot, breast-side up. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Simmer the turkey for 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Checking the Temperature

How long does it take to boil a turkey breast?

Boiling a turkey breast usually takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the meat. It’s important to use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before removing it from the water. Can I add seasoning to the water when boiling turkey breast?

What happens if you boil a turkey breast?

You simply submerge the meat in simmering liquid and allow it to cook through. Infuses flavor – Boiling turkey breast allows you to add aromatics like herbs, onions and garlic right to the cooking liquid for infused flavor. Makes broth – The cooking liquid becomes a flavorful broth perfect for making gravy, soup bases, and more.

How long do you cook a 1 lb turkey breast?

Heat water over high heat until rapidly boiling. This helps the turkey breast cook fast and evenly. Gently lower the turkey breast into the boiling water. Add any aromatics like peppercorns, herbs, garlic, etc. Once water returns to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Simmer turkey breast for about 20 minutes per 1 lb.

How do you keep a turkey breast moist while boiling?

To keep the turkey breast moist while boiling, it’s important not to overcook it. Once the turkey breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, remove it from the water and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding it. This will help the meat retain its moisture.

How long do you cook a turkey breast in water?

Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Submerge the turkey breast in the water and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the turkey breast from the water and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding it.